Grant History
The Community Foundation staff dedicates most of each week engaging with donors, nonprofit leaders, and residents of Tompkins County to identify assets, challenges, and ways to improve the quality of life for all in our beloved community. Gifts of all sizes to the Tompkins Today & Tomorrow Fund are improving lives through grants. Make a difference right here at home.
Awarded Grants
Now in our 26th year with over $37 million in over 8,200 grants, the Community Foundation is the leading public grant maker in Tompkins County. Grants from the Foundation’s endowment and other charitable resources are donated by generous people addressing emerging concerns and critical, unresolved problems identified by the community.
In 2025 we granted out more than $4.2M to over 300 different organizations thanks to generous donors.
Every grant represents the current philanthropic goals and interests of our donors, as well as the priorities and strategies of the Community Foundation Board of Directors. We gain information from nonprofit leaders and residents who live or work here. Also we hold bi-weekly meetings with the Tompkins County Funders group (local public and private grant makers). Our grants are informed by many communication methods.
The Community Foundation serves as a repository for permanent gifts, no matter how great or small, from all who have lived or worked in — and care about — Tompkins County.
Advancing Equity Through Grantmaking
At Community Foundation of Tompkins County, equity is not just a value—it’s a driving force behind our grantmaking. Over the past three years (2023–2025), this commitment has translated into meaningful, measurable impact across our community.
Of the more than $9.5 million in grants awarded in Tompkins County and the surrounding region, over 80% ($7.7 million) supported social justice and equity-focused efforts—investments designed to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and address systemic disparities.
These grants focused on key strategies including:
Resource Equity – ensuring access to essential services, education, food, housing, and health supports
Racial Justice – advancing fair and equitable outcomes across systems
Rural Services – reaching communities beyond urban centers
Advocacy – supporting grassroots leadership and systems change
Notably, more than half of these dollars were directed toward resource equity initiatives, helping individuals and families access the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
Behind every grant is a network of donors, partners, and community organizations working together to “shine a light” on local needs and solutions. From food security to youth development, from housing to cultural connection, these investments are building a more equitable and resilient Tompkins County.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to listening, learning, and partnering with you to ensure that philanthropy continues to open doors—and create lasting change for all. Learn more: click here
Social Justice Dashboard 2000 – 2025
2025 Grants by Program Area
2024 Grants by Program Area
2023 Grants by Program Area
2022 Grants by Program Area
2021 Grantees and Programs
COVID-19 Response Fund Grantees
2020 Grantees & Programs
2019 Grantees & Programs
2019 Grantees Map by Program Areas
Grants in Review
January 1-March 31, 2026 – Current Year (updated quarterly*)
2026 Grants by Program Areas 1Q26 <CLICK HERE (next report in July 2026)
| Community Foundation Grants | % Of $ | $ Area Amount | # Of Grants | % Of # Of Grants | |||
| Arts & Culture | 31% | $211,232 | 50 | 32% | |||
| Community Building | 37% | $253,070 | 49 | 31% | |||
| Education | 18% | $124,694 | 14 | 9% | |||
| Environment/Sustainability | 3% | $17,002 | 9 | 6% | |||
| Health & Human Services | 11% | $75,499 | 35 | 22% | |||
| Total (All Areas) | $681,497 | 157 | |||||
| *next report scheduled for JUL 2026 | |||||||
2025 – Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year
2025 Grants & Programs thru 4Q25 <CLICK HERE
| Community Foundation Grants | % Of $ | $ Area Amount | # Of Grants | % Of # Of Grants | ||
| Arts & Culture | 11% | $446,419 | 134 | 20% | ||
| Community Building | 66% | $2,730,219 | 229 | 33% | ||
| Education | 5% | $223,959 | 85 | 12% | ||
| Environment/Sustainability | 3% | $121,035 | 40 | 6% | ||
| Health & Human Services | 15% | $737,512 | 199 | 29% | ||
| Total (All Areas) | $4,219,144 | 687 | ||||
2000-2025 — From Inception through Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year
| Community Foundation Grants | % Of $ | $ Area Amount | # Of Grants | % Of # Of Grants | ||
| Arts & Culture | 17% | $6,400,496 | 1,870 | 23% | ||
| Community Building | 34% | $12,709,486 | 2,089 | 25% | ||
| Education | 11% | $3,876,680 | 956 | 11% | ||
| Environment/Sustainability | 6% | $2,266,495 | 472 | 6% | ||
| Health & Human Services | 32% | $11,916,367 | 2,861 | 35% | ||
| Total (All Areas) | $37,169,524 | 8,248 |
